Synlett · 2001 · 10 citations · 0 references
A new protocol for the alkenylation of carbonyl compounds with phosphonates (Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction) is described. Aldehydes react with phosphonates already at room temperature in the presence of triethylamine without further activation by Lewis-acids if high-pressure (8 kbar) is applied to the system. Based on this protocol a domino process was developed combining the HWE reaction with a Michael reaction, thus allowing the one-pot synthesis of β-amino esters, β-thio esters or β-thio nitriles.